The Role of Science Park in Innovation Performance of Start-up Firms: An Empirical Analysis of Tsinghua Science Park in Beijing

This study empirically analyzes determinants of start-up firms in the Tsinghua Science Park in Beijing by survey data. More than 50% of firms are software and internet related ones with strongly technological background CEOs. It is found that firms have their internal innovations grounded in their own competitive advantage show better innovation performance, while formal R&D collaboration with Tsinghua University plays only marginal role. However, they are benefited from informal connection with faculty members and access to students. Human resource management services by the Science Park management company are most appreciated by tenant businesses. Finally, networking activities among tenants are found to be weak.